Flat Tire Repair Cost

How Much Does Flat Tire Repair Cost?

A do-it-yourself tire repair kit can cost $5-$20 for simple tools and plugs (to fill the puncture), or $20-$50 for a larger kit with a sealant and a pump or compressor to re-inflate the tire. A do-it-yourself kit is typically designed to create a temporary fix on the outside of the tire to get the vehicle back on the road, so the tire can then be professionally repaired (with an interior patch) or replaced. Tire repair kits are available from auto parts stores like Autozone[1] , big box discount stores like Walmart[2] ; or online retailers like Amazon[3] .

Having a flat fixed by a tire or repair shop typically costs $5-$40 for a standard tire and $30-$60 to repair a run flat tire (designed to be safe to drive on even when it is flat). Many tire and repair shops offer free flat repair for tires purchased from them, or through other programs; a few offer free tire repair for any tire, regardless of where it was purchased. For example, Walmart[4] charges $10 to repair a flat tire, or it is free if the owner purchased the Road Hazard Warranty at $10 per tire when buying tires at Walmart; Pep Boys[5] repairs flat tires for free for members of its Rewards program; and Discount Tire[6] (aka America's Tire) offers free flat repair, no questions asked.

If the tire damage is too severe or located in an area of the tire that can't safely be repaired, a single replacement tire typically costs $50-$200 for a passenger car; $60-$350 for a standard tire on a pickup or SUV; and $110-$750 for an all-terrain tire on a pickup or SUV. Modern suspension systems work best with matching tires; if only one is replaced, the replacement must be an exact match for the other three tires. Worn tires are often replaced in pairs, and many experts recommend replacing all four tires at once.

For a safe and permanent repair, the tire must be removed from the rim and the work done inside the tire (rather than an outside patch); repairs must be made in the tread area only; the puncture cannot be more than 1/4" in diameter; repairs should not overlap; and a rubber stem (plug) should be used to fill the puncture and a patch applied to seal the inner liner (or using a single unit that combines a plug with a patch). The Rubber Manufacturers Association outlines repair procedures for passenger and light truck tires[7] ; and provides a video illustration of proper and improper tire repair[8] .

CarsDirect.com provides instructions for using a temporary tire repair kit[9] with tools and a plug.

Most repair shops include the cost of wheel balancing (placing weights on the rim so the tire rotates evenly) in the cost of flat tire repair. If it's not included, this can cost $6-$20 per wheel.

If the spare tire is flat or not available, and if a temporary fix isn't possible, towing a vehicle to a shop where the flat tire can be repaired or replaced can cost $35-$125 or more, depending on location and type of vehicle. Towing or installation of a viable spare tire may be provided free to members of roadside assistance plans ($15-$360 a year, depending on the level of service included).

Shopping for flat tire repair:

Flat tire repair is available from most gas stations; tire stores like Firestone[11] or Goodyear[12] ; national automotive shops or departments like Meineke[13] , Pep Boys[14] or Walmart[15] ; or independent local repair shops.

Both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[16] and the International Automotive Technicians Network[17] provide a searchable directory of repair shops.

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Had a simple nail in 2 of my tires (spare plus one regular) and the charged me $66 dollars to both. I should have gone somewhere else or done it myself using a kit. Plus the upsell sales tactics was unwelcomed.

i have been buying from this dealer for the last 10 years bought all my tires from them and i needed a tire repair, small nail hole , they charged me $30 for the repair, that is crappy service for a long time customer

I got a flat today on a busy street with a lot of construction. Whatever I hit blew out the side of my tire and it was unrepairable. I was literally flub-flub-flubbing down the street with my hazard lights on looking for a place to stop. I stopped at the first place, a franchise called Just Brakes. They are not 'just brakes', they were able to give me a tire to get me home. I do need to buy a new tire but for $32, they got me home and to work, which was important because this car breakdown happened 20 miles away from my house and my job and I was due at work in 2 hours from where I broke down 20 miles away. I can't say enough great things about this particular shop. It is every consumer's worst nightmare to break down away from home and be at the mercy of an unknown car repair shop. These guys did not take advantage and really went the extra mile!

Ask if there is a charge. I made the mistake of not asking. I bought my Mustang from Ford and had a flat fixed at that dealership 2 months ago. No charge. Another flat. Another Ford dealership in OKC. AFTER they fixed the flat he told me it normal to cost $30 but he was only going to charge me $20. I had no idea there would be a charge at all!

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